Description

The Andaman crake is the largest Rallina species, measuring about 34 cm in length. It has a glossy chestnut plumage and extensive bold black-and-white barring on the underparts. The undertail-coverts are not barred. The bill and legs are apple-green. The tail is long and fluffy. Its voice is a deep croaking sound. It also makes a sharp clicking alarm call.

Habitat

These crake species inhabit marshland along streams, moist lowland forests, dense and extensive thickets and subtropical or tropical mangrove forests.

Feeding habits

These crake species feed on insects, worms, larvae, mollusks, frogs and fish.

Breeding

These crake species breed between June and August. The nest is a collection of grass and leaves, placed under thick vegetation or at the foot of large forest tree. Sometimes, the nest is constructed on a tree near a water body. Both male and female incubate the eggs. The clutch usually consists of two to four large, white and glossy eggs.

Distribution

These crake species are distributed in the Andaman Islands, in the Bay of Bengal, India and are endemic.

Movement Patterns

These crake species are sedentary and resident in their island habitats. These crake species may move within their range.

Status and conservation

The Andaman crake global population is estimated to be around 10,000 to 25,000 individuals birds. Disturbances in the wetland and forest habitats of these birds and trapping pressure has caused a steep decline in the population. Agricultural operations, forest clearance, road construction, trapping of these birds, introduced predators and filling up of the wetlands are the major threats to the survival of these species.

The IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) has categorized and evaluated these species and has listed them as "Near Threatened".